Protective Garment for the Face, Neck and Upper Body

ABSTRACT

An integrated face, neck, and upper body covering. The covering is made from a vertical tube of fabric having a slit in the rear. The slit allows the lower portion of the tube to spread outward—thereby providing an effective covering for the chest in addition to the neck. Various embodiments are disclosed. Some of these embodiments provide covering for the shoulders and upper back as well.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(c) of an earlier-field provisional application. The provisional application was assigned U.S. Ser. No. 63/018,306. It was filed on Apr. 30, 2020 and listed the same inventors.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of apparel. More specifically, the invention comprises a protective covering for the face, neck, and upper body.

2. Description of the Related Art

The present invention provides advantaged in several different applications. These applications include (1) the reduction in transmission of infectious diseases, (2) shielding the wearer from the weather—particularly sunlight (and its cancer-causing UV rays)—and (3) the provision of a suitable covering to produce a more modest appearance in some cultures. These are by no means the only applications for the present invention, but the prior art pertaining to these examples will be explained in the following sections.

The first application for the present invention is the reduction in transmission of infectious diseases by covering the nose and mouth. This issue is particularly relevant at this time, as the present application is filed during a global pandemic known as COVID-19. Governmental health agencies throughout the world currently recommend wearing a covering over the nose and mouth. These coverings are recommended to reduce the emission of aerosol droplets potentially containing infections organisms when in close contact with other persons. They are also recommended to reduce the inhalation of such aerosol droplets from others.

Numerous prior art devices exist relevant to the first application. Paper and cloth masks are a good example. These devices include one or more panels covering the nose and mouth. They are typically attached using a loop around each ear. Neck gaiters are also used for this purpose. A neck gaiter is typically a fabric tube that is pulled downward over the head and onto the neck. The upper edge of the tube is then pulled back up over the nose. Friction—combined with the angle of the nose between the tip and the bridge—holds the gaiter in an elevated position. An elastic material is often used so that it can expand when passing over the head during the installation and expand when it is placed over the nose and mouth. A neck gaiter can be slipped down around the neck when nose and mouth covering is not needed.

The second application for the present invention is shielding the user from the weather—particularly sunlight. Sunlight contains UV rays which can cause skin cancer and skin damage. A large-brimmed hat may be used for sun shielding, but a hat with a sufficiently large brim is often inconvenient to wear and difficult to keep on the head, particularly in windy conditions or while playing sports. And—even a hat with a large brim does not stop reflected sunlight or even direct sunlight when the sun is low in the sky. Prior art gaiters do provide protection for the face and the neck, but they leave the chest and shoulders exposed. This can be a particular disadvantage for women who wish to protect their skin from sun damage and all individuals who wish to protect their skin from UV rays. There are stylish tops as well as v-shaped neck gaiters which provide some coverage but not to the extent of the present invention.

The third application for the present invention is the provision of a suitable covering to produce a more modest appearance. Similar to the requirements for sun protection, it is often desirable to provide a covering for the chest and shoulders. Prior art garments do of course cover these areas, but the covering tends to be integrated into a much larger garment—such as a dress having a high neckline. It would be advantageous to provide a separate garment that could be added to cover these areas when needed but quickly removed when the covering is no longer needed.

The present invention has many additional applications. As one example, the inventive garment can be applied to the neck of a dog. This can be a festive holiday dog/pet “mini-T-shirt” monogrammed with the pet's name. It can also be costume apparel for the pet and/or a matching garment for one worn by the pet's owner.

The present invention addresses these and other concerns, as will be demonstrated in the following descriptions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an integrated face, neck, and upper body covering. The covering is made from a vertical tube of fabric having a slit in the rear. The slit allows the lower portion of the tube to spread outward—thereby providing an effective covering for the chest in addition to the neck. Various embodiments are disclosed. Some of these embodiments provide covering for the shoulders and upper back as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the front of the inventive protective garment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the rear of the inventive garment.

FIG. 3 is a front view, showing the inventive garment being worn by a user.

FIG. 4 is a rear view, showing the inventive garment being worn by a user.

FIG. 5 is a side view, showing the inventive garment being worn by a user.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing the inventive garment with the lower portion opened outward to depict the shape the garment assumes when worn by a user.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the inventive garment with the lower portion opened outward to depict the shape the garment assumes when worn by a user.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing the inventive garment being worn by a user.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, showing the inventive garment being worn by a user.

FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view, showing the use of a reinforcing web attached over the end of the slit.

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view, showing the addition of a strap proximate the upper rear edge of the garment.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view, showing the addition of a relief proximate the strap shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the strap in use.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment including two expanding portions.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment including a stitched seam and overlapping edges for the slit.

FIG. 16 is a plan view, showing a flat pattern used to make the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view, showing a user wearing the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view, showing a variation on the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   10 garment -   12 wall -   14 upper opening -   16 lower opening -   18 slit -   20 end -   22 lower front face -   24 user -   26 upper front edge -   28 nose -   32 right slit edge -   34 left slit edge -   38 chest cover portion -   40 right lateral portion -   42 left lateral portion -   44 reinforcing web -   46 strap -   48 left anchor -   50 right anchor -   52 relief -   54 pony tail -   56 negative expanding portion -   58 throat region -   60 positive expanding portion -   62 alternate garment -   64 alternate garment -   66 stitched seam -   68 flat pattern -   70 stitched seam edge -   72 stitched seam edge -   90 chest -   92 right shoulder -   94 left shoulder -   96 upper back

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following descriptions pertain to some of the embodiments of the invention. Many additional combinations and permutations will occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention should be defined by the claims rather than a description of any particular embodiment.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the inventive garment 10 in an unstretched state. FIG. 1 shows the garment from the front and FIG. 2 shows the garment from the rear. In FIG. 1, the reader will observe that the garment comprises a tubular wall 12. The tubular wall is shown in a vertical orientation—which is essentially the orientation in which it will be used. Wall 12 extends upward to upper opening 14 and downward to downward opening 16. Lower front edge 22 and upper front edge 26 face the viewer in FIG. 1. The garment is preferably made of a smooth elastic material.

The garment is configured to be donned by sliding lower opening over a user's head and down over the user's neck. Accordingly, wall 12 is preferably made of a smooth and elastic material. This material can be a single layer or it can include multiple layers that are bonded, laminated, sewn together, or otherwise joined.

FIG. 2 shows garment 10 from the rear. The reader will note that the rear of the garment opens into a longitudinally oriented slit 18. This slit begins in the lower edge of wall 12 and extends upward to end 20. The overall height of the garment is designated as H₁ and the distance from the lower edge to end 20 is designated as H₂. Preferably the distance H₂ is one-third to two-thirds of the distance H₁. Even more preferably, the distance H₂ is between 45% and 55% of the distance H₂.

The presence of slit 18 divides tubular wall 12 into two sections—an encirclement section and a free section. The encirclement section lies above end 20. In the encirclement section wall 12 may be stretched outward but it completely encircles whatever it encloses—typically the user's neck and lower face. The free section, in contrast, splays outward and does not completely encircle a portion of the user.

This distinction is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 shows the inventive garment from the rear. The configuration shown is the one assumed by the garment when it is placed on a user. The free section below end 20 has splayed outward. Right slit edge 32 and left slit edge 34 have separated widely (These two slit edges are immediately adjacent in the configuration shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 shows the same configuration as FIG. 6, but from the front. In the free section left lateral portion 42 and right lateral portion 40 are spread outward. Chest cover portion 38 is likewise spread outward. Lower front edge 22 lies outward as shown.

FIGS. 3-5 show the inventive garment actually being worn by a user. FIG. 3 shows user 24 from the front. The garment has been slipped down over the user's head to a position where upper front edge 26 lies above the tip of nose 28. The upper opening of wall 12 is expanded around the user's head. Friction tends to hold it in position. Some users may prefer to pull the garment down around the neck and then pull the desired portion up over the lower half of the face.

The reader will note how right lateral portion 40 extends toward the user's right shoulder and left lateral portion 42 extends toward the user's left shoulder. Chest cover portion 38 extends over the user's chest. FIG. 4 shows the same configuration from the rear. Wall 12 extends downward over the back of the user's neck. The measurements of the garment are preferably set so that end 20 lies proximate the top of the user's back. The phrase “top of the user's back” in this context is defined to mean the region of the posterior vertebral processes between the C5 cervical vertebra and the T2 thoracic vertebra. The portions of the user's neck and upper back that are exposed to sunlight by many garments are thereby covered by the inventive garment.

FIG. 5 shows the same configuration from the side. The reader will note how chest cover portion 38 lies over chest 90. Chest cover portion 38 protects the outward-sloping portions of the chest that are particularly susceptible to sunburn. The reader will also observe in this view how upper front edge 26 tends to stretch over nose 28.

The garment can be made in different sizes, though a single size can serve a wide range of human anatomy. Some exemplary dimensions may benefit the user's understanding. The height H₁ shown in FIG. 2 is preferably between 16 and 30 inches (40.6 cm and 76.2 cm). The unstretched diameter of the tubular wall is preferably between 4 and 8 inches (10.2 cm and 20.4 cm).

Many different materials may be used for the garment. A first example uses 95% cotton and 5% LYCRA/SPANDEX. A second example uses 95% RAYON and 5% LYCRA/SPANDEX. Additional coatings providing UVA and UVB absorption are preferably added as well. As those skilled in the art will know, the tubular structure for wall 12 can be machine-knitted as a tube. Alternatively, it can be made as a flat pattern that is then joined together into a tubular structure using one or more stitched seams or other bonding methods.

FIGS. 8 and 9 provide oblique perspective views. FIG. 8 shows an oblique frontal view. In this configuration wall 12 is made large enough so that the free section can spread outward and left lateral portion 42 lies over left shoulder 94. Likewise, right lateral portion 40 lies over right shoulder 40. Chest cover portion 38 covers the chest down beyond the start of the user's blouse or top.

FIG. 9 provides an oblique rear view. The reader will note how end 20 lies proximate the user's upper back 96 and how right slit edge 32 and left slit edge 34 are splayed outward to allow the free section of the tubular wall to extend outward where needed.

Those skilled in the art will realize that how the garment lays over the user will depend on many factors. Obviously there are wide variations in the anatomy of different users. In addition, the amount of elasticity in the material used and the level of friction between the material and the user are both significant. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment using material that stretches easily and which also tends to cling to the user's skin and clothing (a high friction coefficient). FIG. 18 shows the effect of using a different material. The material used in the embodiment of FIG. 18 is less elastic and slicker. Left lateral portion 42 tends to slide over left shoulder 94 and come to rest in a much lower position. The same is true for the right lateral portion of the inventive garment. Thus, appropriate material selection can provide many additional embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows the optional addition of a reinforcing web 44 at end 20 (where slit edges 32,34 meet). This may be a tough piece of triangular fabric sewn in place. It may also be a short length of stitching that is placed in tension when the two slit edges are splayed outward.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an optional additional feature. Strap 46 is provided proximate upper rear edge 36 so that a user having a “ponytail” hairstyle can pull the ponytail through the strap. The strap is preferably made of elastic material that is anchored to wall 12 by left anchor 48 and right anchor 50. One of the anchors may be made detachable so that strap 46 can be passed over the top of the ponytail while the garment is in place and the detachable anchor can then be reattached. However, many users are accustomed to simply doubling the ponytail and pulling it through an elastic strap. In that case no detachment is needed.

FIG. 12 shows the addition of an optional relief 52 in the upper rear edge. The relief can allow the upper edge of wall 12 to be maintained in a higher position by the securement to the ponytail. This feature can be used to ensure that the upper edge of the garment rests above the top of the ears—thereby protecting the top of the ears from the sun. FIG. 13 shows this variant installed on a user. Strap 46 passes around the top of ponytail 54. Of course, the inventive garment does not interfere with the wearing of a separate hat if the user so desires.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment designated alternate garment 62. Wall 12 is given a more complex shape in this version. Proceeding downward from upper opening 14 the wall assumes negative expanding portion 56 (meaning the diameter becomes smaller as one proceeds downward) followed by throat region 58 and positive expanding region 60. The expanding portions provide a less constrictive fit for the head and shoulders. The expanding portions can be formed during the process of weaving the fabric. Alternatively, they can be formed by creating a flat pattern that is joined together along seam lines.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate still another alternate embodiment designated as alternate garment 64. This embodiment is configured to provide a greater coverage area across the user's upper back. In this version the two slit edges overlap. In FIG. 15, right slit edge 32 is shown lapped over the left slit edge. This shape is created using a flat pattern that is rolled and then stitched together along stitched seam 66. FIG. 16 shows the flat pattern 68.

The two slit edges 32,34 are provided with the curved shape as shown. The flat pattern is formed into a roll and stitched seam edge 70 is joined to stitched seam edge 72. Although the word “stitched” is used the edges may be joined by fusion, the use of adhesives, or any other suitable method. The reader will observe from the shape of the flat pattern how the joining of the two stitched seam edges allows the two slit edges 32,34 to overlap.

FIG. 17 shows an advantage of this configuration. The overlap in the two slit edges allows them to splay apart but still provide an area of coverage beneath end 20. This version can thereby cover a greater portion of the user's upper back.

In all the embodiments the inventive garment can be worn over the user's top or tucked into the user's top around the perimeter. It is simple and convenient to don and remove the garment when desired. The garment is also quite light and compact when not in use.

Many other versions will occur to those skilled in the art. As an example, a wool or synthetic fleece version can be used to provide insulation in colder climates. A moisture-wicking version can be used to provide additional cooling in warmer climates.

Although the preceding descriptions contain considerable detail as to the disclosed embodiments, many more embodiments are possible and the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be set by the following claims rather than the examples given. 

Having described our invention, we claim:
 1. A method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, comprising: (a) providing a sleeve, including, (i) a tubular wall having an upper opening, a lower opening, a front side, a rear side, an upper front edge, an upper rear edge, a lower front edge, and a lower rear edge; (ii) said tubular wall being made of elastic material, (iii) said tubular wall including a slit extending from said lower rear edge toward said upper rear edge, said slit terminating at an end, with said slit dividing said tubular wall into an encirclement section and a free section, (iv) said tubular wall having an overall height, and (v) said slit extending a distance of one-third to two-thirds of said overall height; (b) sliding said tubular wall downward over a head of said user to a position where said encirclement section surrounds said neck and said face and said free section lies below said encirclement section; and (c) wherein said slit is placed in a rear of said patient so that said free section spreads and falls over said user's chest.
 2. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 1, further comprising: (a) providing a strap proximate said upper rear edge of said tubular wall; and (b) pulling a portion of said user's hair through said strap.
 3. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 2, further comprising providing a relief in said upper rear edge proximate said strap.
 4. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 1, wherein said tubular wall includes a negative expanding portion, a throat region, and a positive expanding portion.
 5. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 1 wherein said tubular wall is made as a flat pattern configured to form into the shape of a tube when a stitched seam is used to connect a first stitched seam edge of said flat pattern to a second stitched seam edge of said flat pattern.
 6. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 5, wherein said slit is bounded by a first slit edge and a second slit edge.
 7. The method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, as recited in claim 6, wherein said first and second slit edges overlap.
 8. A method for covering a user's neck and chest, comprising: (a) providing a sleeve, including, (i) a tubular wall having an upper opening, a lower opening, a front side, a rear side, an upper front edge, an upper rear edge, a lower front edge, and a lower rear edge; (ii) said tubular wall being made of elastic material, (iii) said tubular wall including a slit extending from said lower rear edge toward said upper rear edge, said slit terminating at an end, with said slit dividing said tubular wall into an encirclement section and a free section, (iv) said tubular wall having an overall height, and (v) said slit extending a distance of one-third to two-thirds of said overall height; (b) sliding said tubular wall downward over a head of said user to a position where said encirclement section surrounds said neck and said free section lies below said encirclement section; and (c) wherein said slit is placed in a rear of said patient so that said free section spreads and falls over said user's chest.
 9. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 8, further comprising: (a) providing a strap proximate said upper rear edge of said tubular wall; and (b) pulling a portion of said user's hair through said strap.
 10. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 9, further comprising providing a relief in said upper rear edge proximate said strap.
 11. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 8, wherein said tubular wall includes a negative expanding portion, a throat region, and a positive expanding portion.
 12. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 8 wherein said tubular wall is made as a flat pattern configured to form into the shape of a tube when a stitched seam is used to connect a first stitched seam edge of said flat pattern to a second stitched seam edge of said flat pattern.
 13. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 12, wherein said slit is bounded by a first slit edge and a second slit edge.
 14. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 13, wherein said first and second slit edges overlap.
 15. A method for covering a user's face, neck, and chest, comprising: (a) providing a sleeve, including, (i) a tubular wall having an upper opening and a lower opening; (ii) said tubular wall being made of elastic material, (iii) said tubular wall including a slit extending from a lower rear edge of said lower opening toward said upper opening, said slit terminating at an end, with said slit dividing said tubular wall into an encirclement section and a free section, (iv) said tubular wall having an overall height, and (v) said slit extending a distance of one-third to two-thirds of said overall height; (b) sliding said tubular wall downward over a head of said user to a position where said encirclement section surrounds said neck and said free section lies below said encirclement section; and (c) wherein said end of said slit is placed proximate an upper back of said user so that said free section spreads and falls over said user's chest.
 16. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 15, further comprising: (a) providing a strap proximate said upper rear edge of said tubular wall; and (b) pulling a portion of said user's hair through said strap.
 17. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 16, further comprising providing a relief in said upper rear edge proximate said strap.
 18. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 15, wherein said tubular wall includes a negative expanding portion, a throat region, and a positive expanding portion.
 19. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 15 wherein said tubular wall is made as a flat pattern configured to form into the shape of a tube when a stitched seam is used to connect a first stitched seam edge of said flat pattern to a second stitched seam edge of said flat pattern.
 20. The method for covering a user's neck and chest, as recited in claim 19, wherein said slit is bounded by a first slit edge and a second slit edge and said first and second slit edges overlap. 